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GS550T Tires

  • Thread starter Thread starter JoeMama
  • Start date Start date
J

JoeMama

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Rehabbing a 1981 GS550T and looking for some thoughts / recommendations for tires. The bike sat for a while and came to me with a set of Metzlers dated around 1984 on it. Haven't taken the old tires off yet but according to the manual they are tube tires so that limits me a bit.

Many thanks,
Joe
 
They all (Avon, Metzler, Shinko) look like good choices but all are listed as tubless. Not sure how keen I am on mounting tubless tires on rims designed for tube tires. Lots of things I'm willing to take a risk on - calculated or not - but when it comes to literally where the rubber meets the road, I play it cautious.
 
JoeMama said:
They all (Avon, Metzler, Shinko) look like good choices but all are listed as tubless. Not sure how keen I am on mounting tubless tires on rims designed for tube tires. Lots of things I'm willing to take a risk on - calculated or not - but when it comes to literally where the rubber meets the road, I play it cautious.
Click to expand...

There is no risk in this case. Each of these tires is marked "On tube type rim, fit a tube."

Tubeless tires can be used with or without a tube.
 
That 550T might be a good candidate for a set of Shinko 705 dual sport tires for the scrambler look and use. They also ride fine on the highway and handle good on the twisties.
A 120/90H-17 rear tube type and 110/80R-19(slightly wider) tubeless front(mounted with tube) that Shinko lists may fit up good. Both are H rated(130mph) which is more than the bike's rated top speed of 112mph. Be sure to order new tubes! They'll probably be pretty cracked if tires that old. A set of Shinko 705's shipped to your door would run less than $140.
 
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I'm running Shinko 700's on my TUX and those are great for a Scrambler application. Handles very well on and off the pavement!
 
550T scrambler?! Those are two words I hadn't thought of using in the same sentence! I plan to use this mostly as my daily commuter...I've got a Honda for the dirt. Some PO really did a number on the carbs and the wiring loom. Once I got those issues worked out I rode a few test miles on the old Metzlers and really liked the way it goes down the road, even on the old tires. In-line 4 just seems like overkill for off-road.

Like the look of the Avons. Riding buddy suggested Michelin Pilot Activs. Shinko 230s are relatively cheap though should the tubless w/ tubes ride turn out to make for a sketchy ride.
 
JoeMama said:
550T scrambler?! Those are two words I hadn't thought of using in the same sentence! I plan to use this mostly as my daily commuter...I've got a Honda for the dirt. Some PO really did a number on the carbs and the wiring loom. Once I got those issues worked out I rode a few test miles on the old Metzlers and really liked the way it goes down the road, even on the old tires. In-line 4 just seems like overkill for off-road.

Like the look of the Avons. Riding buddy suggested Michelin Pilot Activs. Shinko 230s are relatively cheap though should the tubless w/ tubes ride turn out to make for a sketchy ride.
Click to expand...

I don't think off road when talking scrambler. I think an every day lighter weight commuter that can tackle some dirt, rougher roads in the country and still be good for day in day out miles with more comfort than a dirt bike...and do highway stretches without winding out the engine. No sketchiness running those tubeless Shinkos with a tube either.
Either street or dual sport tires you'll have fun with it.
Avons aren't everyone's favorite here...good tire that has some history of defects and IMO overpriced. I've used them when I found them on sale. But then talk tires here and GSR folks like to debate them!
 
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lurch12_2000 said:
I don't think off road when talking scrambler. I think an every day lighter weight commuter that can tackle some dirt, rougher roads in the country and still be good for day in day out miles with more comfort than a dirt bike...and do highway stretches without winding out the engine. No sketchiness running those tubeless Shinkos with a tube either.
Either street or dual sport tires you'll have fun with it.
Avons aren't everyone's favorite here...good tire that has some history of defects and IMO overpriced. I've used them when I found them on sale. But then talk tires here and GSR folks like to debate them!
Click to expand...
Me too... The TUX is great for those dirt road mountain passes that really yield true GEMS of views that are a bit sketchy to take on the smooth tire equipped bikes. It's the perfect bike for any Vermont road from highway to class 4... But that's about as "off road" I'll go... that or a flat field.
 
Yeah, the high revs at highway speed is the only complaint I have regarding my Honda dual sport twin. Might be interesting to give the GS a shot at some off pavement use. Weight, lack of revs / torque down low would keep me from getting too far off the main tracks...bike's width also to a degree. I'm not much for the push towards these honking big - i.e. heavy - dual-sports in recent years. Like travelling light, nimble and with a small footprint.
 
Cowboyup3371,

Hey, I can only find a 550T 120/90 17 rear tire size for the Tour Master in their front tire sizes list. Are you using a 120/90 17 on your rear wheel? Is it listed as a rear wheel and if so where did you buy it? Or have you been using a front tire on the back wheel? Any issues of note if so?
 
Thinking the 130 would be too wide for my rim. I went to Shinko's website and asked customer support if the Tour Master 230 front is ok as a rear tire. No reply yet.
 
120/90-17 is not a popular size. Your options are limited. The Avons are the best choice. They are more money than Shinko 230's but they will last longer which offsets the cost.
 
Since Shinko seems to be unwilling or unable to respond to my question about using one of their front 120/90-17 tires on a rear wheel, looks like I'll likely go with the Avons.
 
Gee, Shinko finally responded...no go using front on rear or vice versa. Avons are on order.
 
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